Wearing a cowboy hat at a church wedding. Is that acceptable?

Question

My fiance and I are having a church wedding. We talked about him wearing his cowboy hat during the ceremony. We've gotten negative feedback about it, people say it's disrepectful to wear a cowboy hat in church. He will wear it though during the reception which will not be held at the church. He doesn't want to offend people by weaing his cowboy hat at the wedding ceremony and I want him to wear it. What do you think?

Answer 1

He will not be sitting in the congregation of people to block view of anyone, you know how people remove hat during prayer or church service out of respect..well this is a wedding ceremony not a worship service..Do the Hat if he wants. who's wedding is it anyway?..go for it..Good luck & Gods blessings .Just to add another note..It's a hat..if people want to be literal.white stands for purity as in "virgin"..what about all those brides that get married in a church, in white, and are not a virgin.?.emm.If you want a hat for the ceremony..do it..People don't need to judge..

Answer 2

Please, there IS a limit to "It's YOUR wedding, so do what you want!".



Honestly if you're choosing to have a church wedding then he should be respectful and remove the hat, especially during the actual ceremony.



I think in pictures it would do more to cover his face than anything else. BUT when you are taking pictures before and after the ceremony he could have some taken with and without the hat. He'll also be wearing it the entire reception by the sounds of it. Surely it won't be that bad to leave it off until then.



Also keep in mind that yes, it IS your wedding, but a main part of having one is for your guests! If he thinks many of the guests would be upset by it then why wear it? To insult half the people there to celebrate your marriage?



You have to decide just how important it is for him to wear the hat at the ceremony. Is it worth the negative repercussions? Possibly upsetting family and friends and arguably disrespecting God? Is there an alternative that would make you happy while removing the controversy altogether?



I think problems over a hat is something you just don't need to add to the overwhelming task that is planning a wedding. I would strongly suggest you find an alternative that allows him maximum hat wearing time, but that he leave it off for the ceremony.



Just a thought... maybe have the ring bearer carry it instead of a pillow, then once you're announced as Mr. and Mrs. X then the ring bearer could hand him his hat and he could put in on to make your exit (or at least carry it until he was out of the sancuary).

Answer 3

He should most definitely leave the cowboy hat AT THE DOOR of the church. He can put it on immediately after the ceremony, just before the two of you make your exit. He'll have the hat on in some of the first photos taken of the two of you as husband and wife, and will be seen as respectful in the eyes of your priest/reverend, as well as your guests.



If he decides that he still wants to wear it in the church for the ceremony, then you really need to ask the church about it. Imagine how embarassing it would be, to have the priest tell him, "and take that hat off, boy" as if he were a child, with all of your guests watching. A grown man should not need someone to remind him to show a little respect.



Is he a cowboy? A farmer? Is there a sentimental reason, a good one, why he needs to wear this hat in a church? Does he wear it to church, every Sunday? A very good friend of mine is a farmer, and loves his cowboy hat. He got married in a church, bought matching cowboy hats for all of his groomsmen and ushers, and no one had to tell anyone that it was inappropriate to wear them in the church. They are adults, and as "grownups" they know that it is disrespectful. They put them on afterwards and partied like cowboys at the PARTY.

Answer 4

Well, I came from an overlap of thoughts on this. Women HAD to wear a head covering in the Catholic church when I was a kid. Men could NOT. Most men I knew when I was young, still wore a dress hat/fedora or a sport type hat and they all took them off indoors. Gotta remember, this was back when Brylcream was still popular and most men had their hair slicked down. Therefore, no hat head or very little to be embarrassed about. Now ball caps are the thing for men of all ages.I think times have relaxed on this issue of hats indoors but in a home I will take mine off. In a business, I may not. In many places, a cowboy hat is a way of identifying yourself with a certain culture and where I live, there aren't many "real cowboys" and mostly posers. I wear a cap when I have hat head or didn't shampoo that morning or got a fresh haircut and the hat covers it up. My brother in law wears one much of the time since he is bald. Comes down to location I think since regional habits make the norm, so I'd say in the southwest, yeah, wear the hat indoors. In northern Illinois, no. But I really don't care either way and never gave it much thought till now.

Answer 5

Cowboy Suits For Wedding

Answer 6

Actually hats or covering of your head is old church tradition!!

However God doesn't care about your clothes....just your hearts.

And finally if you watch any country western awards show look at all the guys in tuxedo's or suits wearing a dressier cowboy hat with it. They look cute! I would say wearing a new dressy one for the ceremony would be great and if he is more comfortable he can wear the old comfortable one for the party. That's if buying a new one is not an expense you cannot afford. If not wear the same to both. You could even put a boutonniere on it if you have a sense of humor : )

Answer 7

Well, I live in Texas and I have been to a few weddings wear the groom and groomsmen wore cowboy hats - But, none of those weddings were in a church.... I would probably save the hat for the after partAy

Answer 8

It seems to me that this has to do with the old traditions and superstitions relating to removing hats in any building, especially a place of worship.



Respect is a word overused!



Is it in fact disrespectful to insist your fiance not wear the hat? It is his wedding after all.



Is it disrespectful to wear a hat in church?



You could maybe ask the church leaders for their stance and reasoning on this.



Point them to 1 Corinthians 11:



http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2011&version=9;



I'm not arguing for or against and I am not a chritian by the way.

Answer 9

Depends on the type of wedding you are having.. If its a very formal affair, I would have to say no to the cowboy hat..... Then again hats aren't appropriate in church anyways.... Otherwise churches would be filled with guys wearing hats...

Answer 10

No. A hat in church is disrespectful.



Go ahead and wear it at the reception, but not at a church wedding. Even IF he wanted to....the minister will not allow it...so it's really out of your hands.

Answer 11

I can't think of any event where it is acceptable for a man to wear a hat indoors. Men take their hats off s they enter ANY building let alone a Church!

Answer 12

I think it's tacky and hats are supposed to be taken off when indoors, especially a church! You can do what you want, but be prepared for more negative feedback here on Yahoo Answers and from friends and family!



P.S. It would still be rude to wear it at the reception too!

Answer 13

Hats are a bad idea in a church. It's disrespectful. Does he wear his hat during the National Anthem as well?

Answer 14

As a pastor I can tell you that it said in God's Word that a man is not to go into the temple with his head cover, if he did it would be a disgrace, if a woman dose not cover her head it would be a disgrace. I know before anyone tells me that is talking about the Jewish Law and the temple. But the church has carried this over to the church all through church history.

Answer 15

No matter what kind of hat it is it would be disrespectful to wear it in church. It would be akin to leaving your hat on while the National Anthem is played. You most certainly will offend people at your wedding if he leaves his hat on and it's also quite possible the priest/church won't even allow it.

Answer 16

Unless it is connected to the theme, then I'd say no. Hats are generally not accepted indoors and I think it'd go double for a church. Sorry.

Answer 17

If he's only wearing it during the reception, then it should be fine. Keep in mind, he may be the only guy wearing a hat indoors though. Most polite people remove them when they're indoors.

Answer 18

We are assuming that the Pastor or minister would object, how about asking first if this is acceptable to the Pastor. Prestty simple and couteous. I see no issue with wearing your hat at your wedding with the approval of your minister.

Answer 19

I think he's quite right. The rule which states that hats may be worn inside (including at church) if they're part of your outfit applies to ladies only. Gentlemen (for whom all ettiquette is written) doff their hats as they enter the building.

Answer 20

Plenty women wears hats in church for weddings, and indeed funerals.



A cowboy hat is not my cup of tea but if it's yours go for it - it's your wedding after all. Enjoy your day.

Answer 21

It is considered disrespectful to wear it in a church. Your priest/pastor may not allow him to. I wouldn't do it, because it will cause a stir.



Moreover, it will look bad at the dinner if he wears it. He can wear it into the hall, and around the hall, and dancing and in photos, without upsetting anyone based on manners, at least, but in the church and at the table, someone will have something to say.



Mind you, I always say people should do what they think best, but in this case, expect negative reactions if you do.



Good luck and Congrats!

Answer 22

well...traditionally any kind of hat is disrespectful in a church. That's why people remove their hats when they pray even if they're not in church. I don't know. I think it's up to you two, but I would have to agree with your fiance.

Answer 23

Real men wear cowboy hats. All others judge in secret envy.

Answer 24

it's disrespectful for men to cover their heads in a Christian church.



have your ceremony outside on the church property if you want him to wear a hat.

Answer 25

It's disrespectful to wear any hat in any church. To the reception is fine.

Answer 26

If the wedding is not taking place in Branson or Nashville, I think its inappropriate. At the reception its fine.

Answer 27

No hats for men in church. It is disrespectful. Fine and dandy for the reception though!

Answer 28

It is bad manners to wear any hat inside, especially in a church. Show a little respect. Manners won't hurt you.

Answer 29

No. Hats should not be worn in churches.

Answer 30

because of the differences i would say remove it when entering the church and put it back on for the rest of the wedding.

It's an easy answer and avoids any hassel on what should be the best day of your life!

Answer 31

do not wear a cowboy hat in church! he can put it on right after if he must, but seriously... ew.

Answer 32

It depends. It looks like it would only be suitable for a themed wedding.

Answer 33

LOL! Only if that is the theme. If not, I would try to find something else that is confront able, but suitable for the occasion.

Answer 34

i don't think wearing a hat period in church would be acceptable so no

Answer 35

I don't think he should if it offends people, unless the theme is western or something.

Also, it is considered rude to wear hats indoors.

Answer 36

Honestly? It is your day! To hell with everyone else! LoL If you want him to wear it and he wants to wear it, then why wouldn't he? Do what you want to do and make the most of this important day! xD Congrats!!

Answer 37

Fine if you want people to say "hey, remember that tacky wedding where the guy wore that stupid hat?" . . . . isn't the answer obvious?

Answer 38

i dont think that its a good idea you need to look nice so just where a tuxs

Answer 39

Hats are never appropriate indoors.

Answer 40

ir ur like cow boys then yeah but if ur all city fok no

Answer 41

It's YOUR wedding, who CARES what other people think, I seen people get married in Burger king, at a Starwars movie dressed as SW characters! What ever makes the day special for you and him thats who you are thats what you do, anyone who judges does not deserve your opinion of they are right or now

Answer 42

He shouldn't wear it in church, but it would be fine at the reception.



You should wear one too.





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Answer 43

Its your call, but it will look funny, especially in the photographs.

Answer 44

I dont think there should be a problem. GOD accepts you as who you are not but what you wear.

Answer 45

Hell to the NO!!!! lol

Answer 46

Its your wedding, if your happy with it, then go for it. So what about 'upsetting anyone' its ye're wedding, go with what keeps ye happy.

Best of luck!!